Design Engineer (Aerospace and Defense Hardware)

Freeform

SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER (AEROSPACE & DEFENSE HARDWARE) Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits. Freeform is hiring a Senior Design Engineer focused on aerospace & defense hardware to sit at the intersection of advanced part design and additive manufacturing. This is a deeply technical senior engineering role responsible for rethinking how aerospace and defense hardware is conceived, designed, and produced - not just adapting existing parts for a new process, but fundamentally reimagining what's possible when legacy design constraints no longer apply. You will own complex design challenges end-to-end, working hands-on with some of the most complex hardware in the industry, and serve as a technical authority on where Freeform's platform unlocks performance regimes, architectures, and geometries that were previously impractical or impossible. The ideal candidate is a highly experienced mechanical or aerospace engineer with deep intuition for part design, a genuine passion for pushing the boundaries of what hardware can do, and a track record of leading technical work on complex hardware programs. They understand aerospace and defense systems at a component and systems level, can independently drive and mentor others on manufacturability, materials, and performance tradeoffs, and are excited by the creative challenge of designing parts from first principles. The core draw of this role is the engineering itself - though this person will also engage directly with some of the most sophisticated frontier companies in the aerospace and defense industries. Responsibilities:  * Drive part design and redesign across a broad range of aerospace and defense hardware, including:  * Propulsion systems  * Heat exchangers and thermal management hardware  * Valves and fluid systems  * Turbomachinery components  * Combustion devices  * Lightweight structural components and assemblies  * Develop and own deep component-level understanding of requirements, performance drivers, and system constraints within aerospace and defense programs  * Lead first-principles part redesigns, identifying where additive manufacturing enables new geometries, consolidated assemblies, improved performance, or reduced cost and lead time  * Define and evaluate design concepts with expert command of materials, tolerances, thermal and structural behavior, and production considerations  * Serve as a senior technical resource - independently resolving advanced questions related to design tradeoffs, process capabilities, qualification pathways, and production scalability, and helping guide less experienced engineers  * Partner closely with internal engineering and operations teams to drive feasibility, refine concepts, and own execution outcomes  * Lead technical engagements with customer engineering teams to understand application requirements, present design solutions, and establish deep technical credibility at a senior level  * Identify, scope, and champion new application spaces where Freeform's technology can deliver step-change improvements over conventional manufacturing  * Shape Freeform's product, process, and technology roadmap through field-informed technical leadership and strategic input  Basic Qualifications:  * Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering  * 5+ years of experience in a hands-on engineering role within aerospace, defense, or a closely related high-performance industry  * Demonstrated ability to lead complex hardware programs from concept through qualification and production  * Experience designing or analyzing propulsion systems, thermal systems, fluid systems, turbomachinery, or high-performance structural components  * Deep systems-level understanding of complex mechanical hardware and how components function within larger assemblies  Nice to Have:  * 10+ years of experience in a hands-on engineering role within aerospace, defense, or a closely related high-performance industry  * Familiarity with metal 3D printing or design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) concepts  * Strong intuition for part design, design-for-manufacturing, and how component geometry relates to performance and producibility  * Experience mentoring engineers and providing technical direction on hardware development programs  * Experience carrying hardware through development, qualification, and production ramp  * Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders  * Strong first-principles reasoning and comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving problem spaces  * Strategic thinker with an instinct for where technology can unlock the most value  * Team player, positive attitude, growth mindset, integrity, accountability, adaptability, entrepreneurial, driven, results-oriented and ethical  Location:  * Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA’s deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.  * Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions.  What We Offer:  * We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.  * We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.  * Benefits  * Significant stock option packages  * 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)  * Life insurance  * Traditional and Roth 401(k)  * Relocation assistance provided  * Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays  * Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent  * Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette  * Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events  * Compensation    * As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company’s current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.   * In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $150,000-$200,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.  * Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Freeform

MECHANICAL ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits. As a Mechanical Engineer at Freeform, you will own projects cradle to grave as a responsible engineer, taking advanced manufacturing hardware from initial concept through design, fabrication, testing, and deployment. You will not just be designing components; you will be architecting the future of production. You will contribute to the development of entirely new manufacturing technologies from scratch, ranging from additive machine design to integrated subtractive and post-processing solutions. The ideal candidate is capable of running projects with little oversight, is an extreme problem solver with the ability to move fast without missing important details, and has the ability to work effectively with other engineering disciplines.  3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!   Responsibilities: * Act as a responsible engineer in bringing hardware from concept, to CAD, to production  * Work with senior engineers to research, develop, design, and test complex mechanical components, subassemblies, equipment, and systems  * Perform tolerance analysis of designs at the system and subsystem level  * Plan and perform tests to analyze the feasibility, design, operation and performance of equipment, components, and systems  * Work hands-on to build, integrate, and validate designs and newly developed systems and/or subsystems  * Strategize continuous improvement plans to enhance system performance, reliability, and manufacturability   Basic Qualifications: * Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering * 1+ years of professional experience in full life-cycle hands-on mechanical design from hand calcs to CAD to fabrication and testing (Internship or full-time experience) * Well-versed in mechanical engineering fundamentals and comfortable taking a first-principles approach to solving problems  Nice to Have: * Master’s degree in mechanical engineering  * Experience in collegiate engineering activities such as FSAE, Baja SAE, rocket clubs, or robotics clubs  * 5+ years of experience designing complex mechanical systems for semiconductor, machining, automation, materials processing, or other related industrial manufacturing or capital equipment applications  * Experience with NX for CAD design   * Hands-on fabrication / machine shop experience (manual mill, manual lathe, hand-tools, etc.)  * Knowledge of motion control and kinematics  * Experience with design of fluid or thermal systems  * Working knowledge of electromechanical systems  * Passion for improving the state of metal 3D printing  * Excellent verbal and written communication skills  Location: * Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA’s deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country. * Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions. What We Offer: * We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions. * We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology. * Benefits * Significant stock option packages * 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options) * Life insurance * Traditional and Roth 401(k) * Relocation assistance provided * Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays * Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent * Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette * Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events * Compensation   * As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company’s current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.  * In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $90,000-$140,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact. * Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Freeform

MECHANICAL ENGINEER (SITE INFRASTRUCTURE) Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits. As a Mechanical Engineer (Site Infrastructure) at Freeform, you will have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between site infrastructure and next-generation autonomous manufacturing. You will deep dive into the complex mechanical systems that power Skyfall, our proprietary printing platform, ranging from industrial fluid and cooling systems, high-pressure gases, and factory performance monitoring systems leveraging sensors and data acquisition. This work is critical to the ultimate goal of enabling Freeform to deploy and scale its hardware stack globally. You will work alongside an interdisciplinary team of engineers to create custom solutions that ensure Freeform’s physical infrastructure is as advanced as the software driving it. The ideal candidate possesses a "no job too big or small" mentality and is a proactive problem-solver dedicated to accelerating the pace of innovation.  3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - we look for leaders who are organized, accountable, collaborative, and motivated to build and scale world-class hardware operations. Responsibilities: * Design and implement custom infrastructure for our next-gen printing system, Skyfall, including state-of-the-art thermal management (chillers), industrial plumbing, and high-flow gas delivery * Develop and integrate factory performance monitoring systems, leveraging sensors and data acquisition (DAQ) to ensure real-time visibility into utility health, pressure levels, and flow rates * Oversee critical utilities, ensuring power, process water, and industrial gases like nitrogen and argon are supplied to the Skyfall fleet in strict accordance with safety codes * Define and implement preventive maintenance for facilities equipment (pumps, compressors, and HVAC) to optimize operational efficiency and minimize system downtime with a pragmatic eye for automation opportunities * Secure the availability of specialized fluid system components and high-pressure fittings to ensure that infrastructure build-outs and engineering projects always move at the pace of innovation  Basic Qualifications: * Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or similar engineering discipline * 2+ years of facilities engineering, factory engineering, launch/ground systems engineering or similar experience * Strong first principles understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer * Hands-on ability to troubleshoot and repair complex mechanical and fluid systems Nice to Have: * Experience with Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) practices, specifically regarding high-pressure gas safety (NFPA 55) and metal powder handling * Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, NX, or similar) for designing facility layouts, piping routes, and custom mechanical mounts * Experience developing infrastructure for high-volume production or scaling automated manufacturing lines * Hands-on experience with industrial automation controls, PLCs, or building management systems (BMS) * Background in aerospace ground support or rocket engine test site operations involving cryogenic or high-pressure fluid systems * Experience with new facility buildouts, including managing external MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) contractors * Knowledge of ITAR, ISO 9001, and/or similar industrial compliance standards * Experience with metal additive manufacturing or similar powder-based industrial processes * Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present technical infrastructure plans to cross-functional teams Location: * Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA’s deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country. * Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions. What We Offer: * We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions. * We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology. * Benefits * Significant stock option packages * 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options) * Life insurance * Traditional and Roth 401(k) * Relocation assistance provided * Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays * Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent * Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette * Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events * Compensation   * As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company’s current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.  * In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $90,000-$150,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact. * Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.